Announced in June 2023, the Ruth Mott Foundation has launched a journey into impact investing. Our primary objective is to fund promising investments to generate financial and social returns that move north Flint residents’ priorities forward and nurture our long-term commitment to the community. Toward this end, we have deployed an initial $5 million into investments that have high social returns that benefit Flint and real financial returns that are at or below the market rate.
Michigan Women Forward
2025 | $500,000
A program-related investment to Michigan Women Forward, a Community Development Financial Institution, in the form of a $500,000 loan to establish a dedicated loan fund for women and entrepreneurs of color in north Flint, Flint, and Genesee County. The loan would allow Michigan Women Forward to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Flint through strategic support and resources and to leverage state funding to deliver technical assistance to local small businesses and entrepreneurs. The loan is accompanied by a grant to establish an office in Flint to expand and deepen local lending initiatives.
St. Luke NEW Life Center
2025 | $300,000
A program-related investment in the form of a $300,000 loan to St. Luke NEW Life Center to complete renovations on its new social enterprise hub on Pierson Road. With this expansion, the new facility will house three social enterprises: industrial sewing, lawn & snow maintenance, and pallet making.
Communities First, Inc.
2024 | $1,000,000
A program-related investment to Communities First, Inc., to serve as a bridge loan to a Missing Middle Housing Program grant supporting the rehabilitation and repair of Orchard Lane Apartments and Townhomes. The project includes the rehabilitation of 45 residential units and commercial space aimed at revitalizing the area and creating meaningful employment and contracting opportunities for local residents and small businesses.
ELGA Credit Union
2023 | $1,000,000
A program-related investment to ELGA Credit Union, a Community Development Financial Institution with a low-income designation and with locations in the city of Flint. The $1,000,000 deposit in a money market account will be used by ELGA to expand its loan program supporting small businesses and homebuyers in north Flint.
Evergreen Community Development Initiative
2022 | $302,554
A program-related investment in the form of a consolidated loan to Evergreen Community Development Initiative, which operates the Flint Development Center. The Foundation’s investment will be used to refinance and consolidate three existing loans related to the acquisition of the property and construction. The Flint Development Center is a neighborhood hub in north Flint that hosts a variety of youth development, community health, and civic engagement programs.
